Multicultural Day

Multicultural Day, April 11, 2023

Finding Opportunities in Multiculturalism

Please join us for this important day of alternative instruction where we celebrate the diversity of our campus community and our global community. Our annual Multicultural Day is dedicated to fostering a sense of cultural competency and cultural literacy through a festive day full of lectures, performances, and special learning opportunities from Moorpark College faculty, staff, students, and special guests. All are welcome!

Event Program

Breakout Session Schedule-at-a-Glance (note items subject to change, please check back often! All sessions in person unless otherwise noted)

8:30-9:30

• QPR Question Persuade and Refer a Suicide Prevention Training Program – FH213
• Deaf-Blind Experience – Online only. Zoom link
• Leave No Trace - Enjoy Nature with Limited Impact on Mother Nature – FH211
• Classical Indian Dance Class – PA 107 (note special time 8:30-10:00)

9:30-10:05 –Opening Ceremony – Raider’s Walk and Quad Stage

10:15-11:20

• Disability and Chronic Illness Awareness  -- Hyflex. Zoom link and TB 114
• Destigmatizing Sexual Health Through Inclusive Sexual Education – Online only. Zoom link
• Cao Gio:  A Vietnamese Folk Medicine Practice – Hyflex. Zoom link Room TBD
• Moorpark College Performing Arts: Consagrada A One-Act Play by Lucia Salazar-Davidson. And Music for “Come Together” – PA Black Box
• Make the Most of Your World –Peace Corps—FH 213
• West African Dance Class – PA 107 (note special time 10:15-11:45)

11:45-12:50

• An Overview of Jazz Styles with the "Sunday Kind of Love" Jazz Combo – MB 114
• The Choice: A Discussion on Choosing to Live Child Free – FH 213
• Moving Together, Mind Body Fitness, at Moorpark College – G 100
• Chumash Storytelling with Elder Julie Tumamait – AA 147
• The Global Ambassadors Celebration of Cultural Identity – FH211
• Race and Racism in America an Historical and Academic Endeavor (Note special time 11:45-1:15) – HM 101
• Taking Risks, Ever Evolving an MC Student Dance Performance – PA 107 (note epical time 12:00-12:50)
• Special Featured Session: One Campus, One Book: Multicultural Author Panel –Campus Center Conference Room (CCCR, Next to cafeteria dining room)

1:00-2:05

• To Whose Benefit Does STEM Advance Knowledge? – Online only. Zoom link.
• Japanese Vocal Music: Tradition, Culture, and Practice – M 114
• Panel: What is the culture of Ventura Country Dance? – PA 107 (note special time 1:00-2:30)
• Special Featured Session – The Ice Cream Stop: film screening and discussion – Performing Arts (PA) Main Stage

  Trailer and more information can be found here. Content Warning: Adult language. Racial violence

Full Event Program

(Please note that the program is currently under construction! Times are subject to change, and we will add a few more special items, so please check back often!)

Special Items:

• America’s Teaching Zoo – open 10:00-2:00
• Makerspace t-shirt printing – open 10:00-1:00
• Food trucks – food available for purchase throughout event

Quad Stage Performances (times TBD)

• Folklorico Dance Group
• Masanga Marimba Musical Performance
• Punjabi DJ Music

Quad area booths:

• Moorpark College Veteran’s Resource Center
• Moorpark College Raider Central
• Moorpark College Student Health Center
• Moorpark College EOPS
• Moorpark College Black Student Union
• Moorpark College Latinx Club
• Chumash History and Culture
• Indian Clothing and Jewelry Vendor
• Japanese Origami Demonstration and Activity (8:30-1:30)

8:30-9:30 Sessions

(All sessions in-person unless otherwise noted)

QPR Question Persuade and Refer a Suicide Prevention Training Program

(8:30-9:30. FH 213)

Suicide impacts every race, culture, ethnicity and gender identity. Research has shown that early and appropriate interventions decrease the risk of death by suicide. QPR-Question Persuade and Refer is a suicide prevention training. This program was created to help individuals recognize the warning signs of suicide, ask the suicide question and provide help, support and referrals for those in need of professional care. Room: Fountain Hall (FH) 213

Deaf-Blind Experience

(8:30-9:30. Online)

This presentation will include the subject of Deaf/Deaf-blind culture, disability awareness, and how those identities guide the human experience.
(Please note, online only session. Zoom link)

Leave No Trace - Enjoy Nature with Limited Impact on Mother Nature

(8:30-9:30. FH 213)

The seven principles of Leave No Trace will be presented so that they can be used in the backcountry or anywhere. Katherine Courtney's presentation will be accompanied with beautiful photos of the California countryside. She'll present a fun and informative session. Room: Fountain Hall (FH) 213

Classical Indian Dance Class

(note special time 8:30-10:00. PA 107)

World-renowned Indian classical dancer Vijaya Lakshmi is an acclaimed exponent of Mohiniyattam, a classical south Indian dance form. Mohiniyattam is therapeutic, healing, and empowering. Its characteristic movements enable women to connect with their femininity and promote self-expression. The movements of the dance form flow into a seamless synthesis of grace, physical strength, and balance, besides emotive expression. Explore the grace, power, and strength of this ancient art form. All levels welcome. No prior dance experience needed. Performing Arts (PA) 107

9:35-10:05 Opening Ceremony

Please join us for our traditional bagpipe parade starting from the HM building and ending at the Quad stage where we will have a special welcome and remarks.

10:15-11:20 Sessions

(all sessions in-person unless otherwise noted)

Disability and Chronic Illness Awareness

(10:15-11:20 Zoom and TB 114)

Student panel (including students from ACCESS and DAPi) with small speeches, ways students and staff can assist, and information regarding different disabilities and chronic illnesses. Food, giveaways, and some swag will be provided/funded by ASMC. Hyflex session. Zoom link and Technology Building (TB) 213

Destigmatizing Sexual Health Through Inclusive Sexual Education

(10:15-11:20. Online Only. Zoom link)

This presentation will address cultural and social gaps in sexual education. Primary conversations will revolve around more inclusive and culturally responsive practices for various communities including LGBTQIA+ individuals, diverse racial and ethnic identities, and individuals with disabilities. The presentation aims to destigmatize conversations on safer sex for various sexual practices, discuss consent, and challenge social norms. Zoom link

Cao Gio:  A Vietnamese Folk Medicine Practice

(10:15-11:20. Hyflex. Zoom link. Room TBD)

“Cao Gio” or to scratch the wind is an ancient Vietnamese Folk Medicine practice that is still in use today to treat cold and flu.  This presentation will introduce you to the history and cultural health beliefs of the Vietnamese.  Professor Dalila Sankaran will demonstrate  how to perform Cao Gio followed by a group discussion on alternative health practices. Hyflex. Zoom link. Room TBD

Moorpark College Performing Arts:
Consagrada A One-Act Play by Lucia Salazar-Davidson. And Music for “Come Together”

(10:15-11:20. PA Black Box)

At Moorpark College, the Performing Arts Department puts on multiple productions and shows throughout the year.  Here we will showcase two productions coming this April, our music tech show "Come Together", and our Student One Acts.  All aspects of these shows done by students: performance, writing, directing, lighting, makeup, costuming, & live sound reinforcement. Performing Arts Center (PA) Black Box Theater

Make the Most of Your World –Peace Corps

(10:15-11:20. FH 213)

Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Join this session to learn about Volunteer experiences, ask questions, and gain tips for applying. Fountain Hall (FH) 213

West African Dance Class

(note special time: 10:15-11:45, PA 107)

Come embody West African dance and drum with Duanté “KINGTAE” Fyall, founder and creative director of DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts Collective, Los Angeles. All levels welcome. No prior dance experience needed.  

11:45-12:50 Sessions

(all sessions in-person unless otherwise noted)

An Overview of Jazz Styles with the
"Sunday Kind of Love" Jazz Combo

(11:45-12:50. MB 114)

In this presentation/performance, local Jazz Combo, "Sunday Kind of Love" will explain/demonstrate various styles of music that fall under the broad umbrella of, "Jazz". Music Building (MB 114)

The Choice: A Discussion on Choosing to Live Child Free

(11:45-12:50. FH213)

Voluntary childlessness, also called being childfree, describes the voluntary choice to not have children. In most societies and for most of human history, choosing not to have children was both difficult and undesirable. However, in recent years this choice has been gaining momentum. Join Professor Communications Studies professor Jill McCall in an open authentic and raw discussion about the unique, at times challenging yet powerful choice to be child free. Fountain Hall (FH) 213

Moving Together, Mind Body Fitness,
at Moorpark College

(11:45-12:50. G 100)

Come experience a variety of mind body movement arts varying from the ancient arts of Qigong, and Yoga to contemporary practices like Foundation Training, and the Nia Technique. Mind body arts focus on the universal elements of breath, and movement that all humans have in common. This will be an experiential learning activity. All who attend are invited to kick off their shoes, move their body, and uplift their spirit in this group fitness presentation. Gym (G) 100

Chumash Storytelling with Elder Julie Tumamait 

(11:45-12:50. AA 147 -- Forum)

Please join Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait for an opportunity to learn about Chumash culture and history through the art of traditional storytelling. Applied Arts (AA) 147 – Forum

The Global Ambassadors Celebration of Cultural Identity

(11:45-12:50. FH 211)

Global Ambassadors is a student led initiative at Moorpark College which aims to unite international students through celebrating culture and diversity on campus. The international student office serves as a pillar to this movement. This presentation is a scope of students' lives as international students in California, and also a demonstration of the colorful nations our students originate from. Fountain Hall (FH) 211

Race and Racism in America an Historical
and Academic Endeavor

(Note special time 11:45-1:15. HM 101)

Local writer and scholar, and Moorpark College alumnus, Ed Tingstrom will discuss the issues of Race and Racism from 1619 until present. Humanities Building (HM) 101.

Taking Risks, Ever Evolving
an MC Student Dance Performance

(note special time 12:00-12:50. PA 107)

Witness these emerging dance artists in their creative process as they explore questions of art making as part of their identity. Using movement to explore how they are agents of change in an ever-evolving cultural dynamic, the student dance artists present fresh dance works aiming to break the mold, tread on new ground, and take risks through vulnerable choices. Q & A to follow.

Special Featured Session:

One Campus, One Book: Multicultural Author Panel

(11:45-12:50. CCCR – Campus Center Conference Room)

This year's selection, Mecca, is written by Susan Straight, a longtime creative writing instructor at UC Riverside. She has invited young authors whom she has mentored over the years to participate in a panel discussion on diversity and identity in writing and publishing. Campus Center Conference Room (CCCR). Next to cafeteria dining room.

1:00-2:05 Sessions

(all sessions in-person unless otherwise noted)

To Whose Benefit Does STEM Advance Knowledge?

(1:00-2:05. Online only. Zoom link)

A critical inquiry into attempts to re-examine STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) through the lenses of multiculturalism. What counts as “knowledge” in such efforts? How does the advancement of that knowledge unfold? And who stands to benefit from its advancement? A short presentation by American Indian activist and scholar Dr. Tharon Weighill will be followed by discussion facilitated by Moorpark College philosophy instructor Adam Blazej. Online only. Zoom link.

Japanese Vocal Music: Tradition, Culture, and Practice

(1:00-2:05. MB 114)

As part of his sabbatical project, Dr. Brandon Elliott researched the sung music of Japan, with a particular focus on contemporary artists. Through this study, he discovered the rich cultural, traditional, and practical aspects of Japanese sung music and how it can inform our own cultural practices. Students of the Choral & Vocal program will demonstrate some of the sung music of Japan ranging from traditional folk to contemporary compositions. Music Building (MB) 114

Panel: What is the culture of Ventura Country Dance?

(Note special time 1:00-2:30. PA 107)

Come hear local dance artists, dance teachers, choreographers, and producers speak to the cultural identity of dance in our region. Moderated by dance faculty, Beth Megill, hear the responses to questions such as: What does it mean to you to be a dance artist in Ventura County? Where do you see potential for growth in the dance arts of our region? What would need to happen for the dance community to better thrive in this area?

Special Featured Session

The Ice Cream Stop: film screening and discussion

1:05-2:00 PA Main Stage

ICONIC FILM GROUP - IFG proudly presents: Living Life in "BLACK AND WHITE”
World Premiere of the Multiple Award-winning 2023 IMAGE Award Nominated Short Film “THE ICE CREAM STOP” directed by Raul Perez (Runtime 26m 26sec) “Meet the Creators & Q&A with the Cast”). "A BLACK EXPERIENCE IN LIVING COLOR” (Featured Event) Performing Arts Building

1:00-2:05 pm:

Film screening and discussion with cast and crew. 

2:05-3:30 pm:

Meet and greet reception with cast and crew

On the evening of May 25, 2020, a white police officer Derek Chauvin, killed George Floyd, a Black man, by kneeling on his neck for almost 10 minutes. The death, recorded by bystanders, touched off the largest protest in U.S. history and a nationwide reckoning on race and policing. This tragic incident in front of the world sparked a worldwide conversation that has been plaguing this country for years. Based on studies found in May 2020 at the Pew Research Center, states "Out of all the ethnic backgrounds, there has been no other race of people that has been oppressed more in the western hemisphere." We can all agree that there is some discrimination against every race of people in the United States. The study states 80% say there is a lot of or some discrimination against Black people; 76% say this about Hispanic people, and 70% see discrimination against Asians.

THE ICE CREAM STOP beautifully illustrates answering the age-old debate "Does Racism Still Exist In America?" And gives a fairly accurate depiction of what it is like to live like a Black man or woman today. How even after 400 years of slavery, and segregation, the days of Jim Crow and all the traumas associated with it have been passed down through the generations. Blacks are conditioned to live under a different set of rules or laws in every oppressive or discriminatory aspect; within a system that wasn't designed with us in mind. Surprisingly even after the death of George Floyd, there have still been multiple counts of police incidents, that resulted in the unfortunate and unnecessary deaths of people who should've made it home. Are you up for the challenge? You can learn a lot in 26 minutes. 

Trailer and more information can be found here. Content Warning: Adult language. Racial violence

4:30-6:00 Special Event

Dance Culture of Ventura County Performance. Performing Arts Center Main Stage

Featuring an array of local dance artists, this mainstage performance is a unique chance to see the scope of what it means to be a dance artist in Ventura County. Performing Arts Center (PAC) Main Stage

Multicultural Day Event Credits

Project specialist:

Brian Burns

Multicultural Day Workgroup:

David Birchman, Shyan Diaz-Brown, Ariana Burrell, Elizabeth Gillis-Smith, Susan Kinkella, Melissa Lay, Cherisse Meichtry, Beth Megill, Cynthia Osuna, Steve Pfeffer, Dina Pielaet, Linda Resendiz, Lauren Snowden, Navreet Sumal

Thematic Design Logo

Student of the MakerSpace program

Program and Webpage Design

Angela Gigila and Dina Pielaet

Special Thanks to:

Our facilitators, presenters, and volunteers
All of our guests and participants
Our maintenance and operations professionals along with our faculty and classified professionals
Dean Josepha Baca and Administrative Assistant Kristen McCloskey
Michael Grimes, FTMA
Ranford Hopkins and Cynthia Barnett, for showing us the way.

Dia Los Muertos 

Tuesday November 1
10-1:00pm
Quad

Ethnic Studies professor Arturo Zepeda will discuss the significance of the day for modern day Mexicans and indigenous cultures.  

There will also be face painters creating traditional designs and our art students will  have a table with art activities! Please join us in honor of culture, life and those who have passed on.

Don Jose Ruiz

Wednesday November 16
1:00-2:30pm. in the MC Forum.
ZOOM link:
https://vcccd-edu.zoom.us/j/89616728919?pwd=dllEQzQ3dXE3SGVyWHdlRlkwK1BOQT09

Like his father, Author Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz provides new insights with ancient wisdom, don Jose Ruiz is dedicating his life to sharing the ancient Toltec wisdom by translating it into practical, everyday life concepts that promote transformation through truth, love and common sense. don Jose teaches and lectures across the United States and around the world: Power Journeys to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Palenque, Tulum and Coba; workshops with guest don Miguel or other teachers at Omega ­NY, Austin, and Vancouver.

Don Jose Ruiz has now collaborated with his father don Miguel Ruiz on a new book that offers a fresh perspective on the Four Agreements, and a powerful new agreement for transforming our lives into our personal heaven: The Fifth Agreement.

The Fifth Agreement takes us to a deeper level of awareness of the power of the Self, and returns us to the authenticity we were born with. In this compelling sequel to The Four Agreements, we are reminded of the greatest gift we can give ourselves: the freedom to be who we really are.

One of don Jose’s newest passions is his band Circle of Shadows. The Circle of Shadows is a collective of artists that formed in 2008, inspired by the dream of different voices coming together to share a common message of truth. Although geographically dispersed, the various members of the collective gather to create, record and tour. In 2009, the group released their first studio album, don Jose Ruiz and The Circle of Shadows, a CD combining music with inspiring words and original artwork. The collective currently includes Jose Ruiz (author and Shaman), Greg Beaton (musician, producer and voice actor), Joe Gasparik (musician and producer), Aaron Landman (visual artist and video producer), and Jed Rees (musician, arranger and actor).

Julie Tumamait

Wednesday Nov. 16
11:30am on the Quad Stage

Julie will be presenting traditional Chumash storytelling.

Aztec dancers 

Tuesday, November 29
11:30am on the Quad Stage

ASMC is sponsoring this magnificent dance troupe to honor NAHM as our finale event.

NAHM PROFILES OF COURAGE

Pole banners will be installed on campus this month and stay up year round to honor our NAHM notables. These
banners will be added to the existing collection of banners up that feature Profiles for WHM, BHM, PRIDE, and LATINX.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PROJECT

A large banner will be displayed with our land acknowledgment statement in the Quad.
A longer term bronze plaque project is also underway.

 

APRIL 12, 2022

Opening Ceremony 9AM

We are excited to bring back our on-ground march down Raider Walk led by bagpipers and children from our Childcare Center to the Quad stage where tribal leader Alan Salazar will perform a traditional blessing to open our day full of celebration and education. President Julius Sokenu will also offer words of welcome to our college community. LIVE in the QUAD

EVENTS @10AM

Live Performance of Steel Drums Band. LIVE in the QUAD

Americas Teaching Zoo 10AM-2PM

Come in and visit your favorite animals and people at the ZOO

EVENTS FROM 10:15-11:20AM

Silva Arzunyan

How technology can even the playing field for different learners. Join ACCESS and their guest to learn about the built-in accessibility features on iPad or iPhone. Accessibility features that can help you improve your learning experience
ZOOM LINK

Allison Barton

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention
QPR, which stands for question, persuade, refer is a nationally recognized program designed to prepare participants for the most critical conversation they may ever have. The class teaches individuals to; ask the suicide question, persuade an individual to get help and resources for referral to professional care. Learn the facts about suicide, how to recognize signs of depression and suicide thoughts, and how to get help.  Training certificate upon successful completion
ZOOM LINK

Suzanne Fagan 

The Sky Isn't Blue in America and Plumbob: Two Student One Acts
"The Sky Isn't Blue in America" written by Josh Delman and directed by Kyle Kaplan, is a dramatic historical fiction following Avram Hoffman, a Rabbi from a small polish town, and his troubles living in the United States in 1894. His high expectations of the country are quickly dashed by his friends, Zusman and the Lachmans, previous members of his congregation. Will his determination falter, or will he give up on being a Rabbi in the land of the free? "Plumbob" written by Ethan Pante and directed by Dani Lorin is an LGBTQ+ story set in the mid-2000s. Ariel notices how open her life simulator game is and discovers something new about herself. Her mother does not approve.

Presenter: Theater Professor, Suzanne Fagan & Students
Location:  Black Box

Adam Blazej 

Trust and Environmental Justice: The Case of the Santa Susana Field Lab
The Santa Susana Field Lab in Simi Valley was the site of a nuclear meltdown in 1959. There has been a decades-long effort to uncover what happened, reveal risks posed to the community, and complete a cleanup of the site. The breakdown of trust is one facet of this case. Join this discussion on how trust (and distrust) figure in not just the cleanup efforts at SSFL, but also the broader movement for environmental justice
ZOOM LINK

Eloise Cohen, Jean Kammerer, and Sakeena Ali 

Interfaith Refugee Committee: Helping Displaced Afghans
More than 76,000 Afghans have been brought to the U.S. since last summer, when they were airlifted from the Kabul airport during the chaotic final weeks of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This presentation will give background information about their resettlement and effort currently ongoing in Southern California, and specifically Ventura County, to assist them
ZOOM LINK

MAIN EVENT:  11:00-12:30
Guest Speaker: Susan Straight

Book: Mecca
Susan Straight is the author of several novels, including the national bestseller Highwire Moon, a finalist for the National Book Award, and A Million Nightingales, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, as well as the memoir In the Country of Women, named a best book of 2019 by NPR and Real Simple. She is the recipient of the Edgar Award for Best Short Story, the O. Henry Prize, the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction, and a Guggenheim Fellowship, and her stories and essays have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Guardian, Granta, Harper’s, and elsewhere
IN PERSON at the PAC

EVENTS 11:45-12:50PM

Live Panel

Narcotics Anonymous a Resource in the Community and Challenging the Stigma
that Makes it Difficult to Ask for Help. Our panel will discuss what Narcotics Anonymous is and how it can be a resource to the community. We will also discuss how NA deals with the stigma that has made getting help difficult within the community and families.
CCCR(Student Center)

Sakeena Ali

Meet the Moment: Peace Corp- Making an Impact on the World
Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Join us at this information session and learn about Peace Corps, ask questions about service, and gain tips to guide you through the application process.
ZOOM LINK

Dalila Sankaran

Vietnamese Folk Health Practice: Cao Gio.
“Cao Gio” or to scratch the wind is an ancient Vietnamese Folk Medicine practice that is still in use today to treat cold and flu. This presentation will introduce you to the history and cultural health beliefs of the Vietnamese. I will demonstrate how to perform Cao Gio follow by a group discussion on alternative health practices.
IN PERSON ROOM PS-110 & Hyflex ZOOM LINK

Erin Crenshaw & Jessica Fisher

Navigating Critical Conversations
With the hope of encouraging critical conversations, the presenters will review practical skills and topics including effective communication, asserting your needs, and personal boundaries. The presentation will close with a discussion around how folx can take care of themselves as they engage in challenging but necessary conversations
ZOOM LINK

EVENTS 1:00PM-2:05PM

KINKY BOOTS LIVE PERFORMANCE

Selections from this year’s student musical Kinky Boots and the Dance Department’s show on the mainstage in the Performing Arts Center.  MC Music Technology program will also presenting a DJ Showcase as a part of our theater/dance/music experience
PAC MAINSTAGE

Jolie Herzig

Disability Experiences in the Context of Social Justice
This presentation will give a background of how disability rights became a civil rights issue, background of the laws, and how it all fits into the social justice conversation. In addition, individuals with disabilities will share their personal narratives to amplify disability culture. We hope this presentation will help reframe the needs and experiences of people with disabilities to help you be an advocate for social change.
Hy-flex/ On Campus: CCCR
ZOOM LINK

EVENTS 1:30PM-2:30PM

Susan Straight

Stories of Our Community- For Faculty & Staff
EATM 102

EVENTS 2:00PM-3:00PM

Organized by ASMC President, Mary Poitier

International Student Showcase : Meet & Greet
Come and meet our International Students!  They will present their countries and cultures on our Quad stage. 
ON CAMPUS IN QUAD

FINALE: 3:00PM-5:00PM

Silva Arzunyan

Comedians with Disabilities
Nina G and Mean Dave are back!  Don't want to miss these two hilarious comedians perform at Moorpark College.  They are educators, comedians, persons with disabilities and much more. Time to Laugh Out Loud. Sponsored by the ACCESS
ON CAMPUS IN THE BLACK BOX THEATER. Hyflex ZOOM LINK

PRIDE EVENTS

We are still organizing Pride events for June as well as in August. Here a some events to add to your schedule for June:

Wednesday June 15

Stonewall is the Reason for the Season

Dr. Debanuj Das Gupta 2-3:30pm

Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots. As a sub-holiday during Pride Month, Pride Day is celebrated on June 28. The day marks the date in history when the first pride march was held in New York City in 1970.  Dr. Debanuj Das Gupta is Assistant Professor of Feminist Studies, and Affiliated faculty in the Asian American Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Board Co-Chair of the Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS) at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center. He will discuss the history and context of the Stonewall Riots and how that pivotal event impacted the trajectory of the discourse around LGBTQQIA+ rights and humanity. Register for the Webinar.  

Thursday June 23, 1-2pm  

Trans and Christian: The Holy Liminal Spaces

Rev. Drew Stever 1-2pm

Rev. Drew Stever (pronouns they/he) serves as Lead Pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Hollywood, CA. Drew came out as transgender in 2016 and has been finding the holy in liminal spaces ever since. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Drew now resides in Thousand Oaks with his family, dog, betta fish and the myriad of birds that now frequent their front yard as a result of the pandemic purchase of a bird feeder. Register for the Webinar

Download the NAHM flyer:

Don Jose Ruiz

Wednesday November 16
1:00-2:30pm. in the MC Forum.
ZOOM link:
https://vcccd-edu.zoom.us/j/89616728919?pwd=dllEQzQ3dXE3SGVyWHdlRlkwK1BOQT09

Like his father, Author Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz provides new insights with ancient wisdom, don Jose Ruiz is dedicating his life to sharing the ancient Toltec wisdom by translating it into practical, everyday life concepts that promote transformation through truth, love and common sense. don Jose teaches and lectures across the United States and around the world: Power Journeys to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Palenque, Tulum and Coba; workshops with guest don Miguel or other teachers at Omega ­NY, Austin, and Vancouver.

Don Jose Ruiz has now collaborated with his father don Miguel Ruiz on a new book that offers a fresh perspective on the Four Agreements, and a powerful new agreement for transforming our lives into our personal heaven: The Fifth Agreement.

The Fifth Agreement takes us to a deeper level of awareness of the power of the Self, and returns us to the authenticity we were born with. In this compelling sequel to The Four Agreements, we are reminded of the greatest gift we can give ourselves: the freedom to be who we really are.

One of don Jose’s newest passions is his band Circle of Shadows. The Circle of Shadows is a collective of artists that formed in 2008, inspired by the dream of different voices coming together to share a common message of truth. Although geographically dispersed, the various members of the collective gather to create, record and tour

USAW WEEK KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Javier Zamora: Oct 19 @12PM

Registration Link

Moorpark College is proud to announce a Zoom webinar featuring author Javier Zamora on October 19th at 12:00pm with a discussion of his personal memoir “SOLITO.” This one hour long event will be held on Zoom and is free to the public with online registration and is part of Undocumented Student Action Week.

Javier Zamora was born in La Herradura, El Salvador in 1990. When he was a year old, his father fled El Salvador due to the US-funded Salvadoran Civil War (1980-1992). His mother followed her husband’s footsteps in 1995 when Javier was about to turn five. Zamora was left at the care of his grandparents who helped raise him until he migrated to the US when he was nine. His first poetry collection, Unaccompanied (Copper Canyon Press, September 2017), explores some of these themes.

In his debut memoir, SOLITO (Hogarth, September 2022), Javier retells his nine-week odyssey across Guatemala, Mexico, and eventually through the Sonoran Desert. He travelled unaccompanied by boat, bus, and foot. After a coyote abandoned his group in Oaxaca, Javier managed to make it to Arizona with the aid of other migrants

MCD 2022: Critical Conversations

This years event was held on April 12, 2022
Both an invitation and a challenge to engage in complex dialogues with others to find ways to promote intersectionality, alliance, and consciousness of the increasingly diverse world in which we live.

Award Winning Author on Main Stage

Susan Straight @Moorpark College April 12

Our keynote speaker will discuss her new novel, the ambitious and enthralling “Mecca,” is set, like nearly all her fiction, in the Inland Empire and high desert areas. The native tobacco plants, the San Jacinto range, the baked-in racism — all are seen through the eyes of the overlooked and written-off. The citrus pickers. The old Latina woman living on inherited land, scared the county will take it away. The Black boy with braids who drops his phone in front of a cop. None of them take history lightly because it’s written too much of their destiny. Read the LA TIMES ARTICLE

ANGIE THOMAS @MC

Born, raised, and still living in Jackson, Mississippi, Ms Thomas is a former teen rapper and holds a BFA in creative writing from Belhaven University. Her award-winning, acclaimed debut novel, The Hate U Give, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture from Fox 2000, starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by George Tillman, Jr. Join Angie in a special Moorpark College featured ZOOM event, April 19 @1PM.

Native American Heritage

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We acknowledge Moorpark College occupies the unceded traditional land of the Chumash people who have stewarded it throughout generations. As we honor the Chumash people with gratitude, we commit to learning how we may be better stewards of this land we inhabit as well. We seek to build relationships with the Chumash community through academic pursuits, partnerships, historical recognitions and community service as these relationships are foundational for inclusive and equitable education and community engagement.